PR No – 141
23rd July, 2025
New Delhi
Empowering India through Financial Literacy: PHDCCI and FPSB India Host International Conference on Financial Planning 2025
In a significant step towards building a financially literate and empowered India, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), in collaboration with Financial Planning Standards Board India (FPSB India), organised the International Conference on Financial Planning 2025 on 22nd July, 2025 at PHD House, New Delhi.
The conference brought together national and international leaders, policymakers, financial experts, and educationists to deliberate on the importance of financial education, policy inclusion, and collaborative strategies for empowering individuals and shaping a self-reliant India.
Guest of Honour Dr. Bhim Singh, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports, delivered the keynote address, underlining the urgent need to integrate financial education into school and college curricula to empower the next generation. “A financially aware society is a self-realised society,” he remarked, calling for inclusive policy reforms and targeted efforts to achieve 50% women’s participation in the workforce by 2047. Dr. Singh also highlighted the pivotal role of public-private partnerships in building a financially informed and inclusive India, and in achieving the collective vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Mr. Hemant Jain, President, PHDCCI, opened the conference by reinforcing the PHDCCI’s commitment to building a financially aware India. “Financial empowerment starts with awareness and the right guidance. This platform shows our resolve to create a strong, inclusive, and self-reliant nation,” he noted.
Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI, spoke about the relevance of financial planning for the youth and emphasized that such conferences foster valuable dialogue. “The ideas and deliberations from today will be submitted to the Government of India for further consideration,” he stated.
Mr. Krishan Mishra, CEO, FPSB India, pointed out the importance of creating an environment where people are encouraged to make informed financial decisions. He asserted that financial literacy at the grassroots level can help achieve Viksit Bharat by 2035, even ahead of schedule.
Mr. Dante De Gori CFP, Global CEO, FPSB Ltd., emphasized that while AI and technology will revolutionize financial planning, human touch, emotional intelligence, and trust will remain central to the profession.
Mr. David Sharpe CFP, Chair, Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA), highlighted the unique role of financial planners. “Our role is not just about numbers but helping clients articulate their life goals and guiding them through economic uncertainties,” he said.
A special address was delivered by Shri Ananth Narayan G., Whole-Time Member, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), who spoke on India’s financial future and its impact on societal well-being. The event also marked the launch of FPSB India’s new book, ‘All About Financial Planning Education’, aimed at equipping individuals with structured knowledge on personal finance and planning.
Spotlight and Panel Session Highlights:
In Spotlight Session 1, titled “The Retirement Playbook: Smart Moves for Every Age”, Ms. Suparna Tandon, CEO of the National Pension System Trust (NPS Trust), provided valuable insights on retirement strategies across different life stages.
Panel Discussion 1, focused on “CFP® Certification – The Global Passport to Your Career”, was moderated by Mr. Arun Thukral CFP®, CPAC Chair at FPSB India and former MD & CEO of Axis Securities. The panel featured Mr. Dante De Gori CFP®, Global CEO of FPSB Ltd.; Ms. Sarah Abood, CEO of Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA); Mr. Hiroaki Kuroiwa CFP® from the Japan Association for Financial Planners; Mr. Nick Hakes, CEO of Financial Advice New Zealand; and Mr. Krishan Mishra, CEO of FPSB India. The discussion highlighted the global relevance of CFP® certification and its role in building international financial careers.
Panel Discussion 2, on “Impact of Women in Financial Planning Leadership”, was moderated by Ms. Amisha Sethi, Senior VP – Policy & Communications at FPSB India. The panel featured leading women voices in finance, including Ms. Vani Bajaj, Chief Mentor at ICOFP; Ms. Kirsty Scully CFP®, Chairperson of the FPSB Council; Ms. Eunice Chun Hei Chan, Board Member of FPSB and Senior Executive at Maybank Asset Management; Ms. Renu Maheshwari CFP®, Chairperson of ARIA; and Ms. Prableen Bajpai CFP®, Founder of FinFix®. The discussion centred on breaking barriers and creating pathways for women leadership in finance.
In Spotlight Session 2, titled “From Goals to Growth: How Strategy Shapes Financial Planning”, Dr. Rahul Singh, Professor and Director of Research & International Affairs at IILM University, spoke about the strategic shift needed in personal finance education and planning frameworks.
Panel Discussion 3, “Financial Awareness for Viksit Bharat: Accessibility, Education and Technology”, was moderated by Ms. Teena Rawal, Head of Business Development at FPSB India. The panel featured prominent leaders including Mr. Swarup Mohanty, Vice Chairman & CEO of Mirae Asset Investment Managers India; Ms. Shalini S. Sharma, Assistant Secretary General at PHDCCI; Mr. Sandeep Sharma, Country Head at SBI Wealth; and Mr. Manmeet Singh Khurana CFP®, Founder of Wealth Dope. The session focused on how financial literacy, supported by digital tools and access, can accelerate India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation.
The conference provided a powerful platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action toward a financially literate, inclusive, and future-ready India.
The Conference was powered by FPSB India and supported by the PHDCCI Annual Corporate Partners, including KLJ Resources Ltd., Mankind Pharma, KEI Industries Ltd., MMG Group, Gigleaz Private Limited, and Yashoda Super Specialty Hospitals Pvt. Ltd.;JK Tyre & Industries Ltd;Eazy ERP Technologies Pvt Ltd;Singhi Advisors & Financial Services LLP;R. L. Steel Pvt. Ltd.;Blossom Kocchar;Hindustan Tin Works Ltd.;Hindustan Tin Works Ltd.;Ajit Industries Ltd.;Apeejay Stya Group;Oswal Greentech Limited;Speciality Merchandising Pvt. Ltd.;Shivtek Spechemi Industries Ltd.;Speciality Merchandising Pvt. Ltd.
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Warm Regards,
Media Division, PHDCCI